"We get a lot of babies and pregnant mothers here at the shelter, a lot with nothing," said Angie Kannada, community relations director for Family Services. "Babies are very expensive, and donations like this fill in the gaps and the needs."

Kannada said the $1,661.94 could provide everything one baby would need in the shelter, plus the safe haven with the mother, for 40 days. One average, she said, a regular shelter stay is 30 days.

It all started when the Guidry family was tasked over a year ago by their church, Hillcrest Baptist in Nederland, when they handed Austyn an empty baby bottle to fill with spare change to return with a donation for Southeast Texas families in need.

"Austyn went a little rogue with it," Kannada said laughing. "She's always loved babies, and this drive had a big impact on her."

After two weeks of collecting change, the girl wasn't ready to hand it in yet, according to her mother Andrea Guidry. She spent a year collecting all she could -- collecting change from her parents, from pockets and from good grades earned.

After a year the girl had $34.12, and to her, "that was golden," Andrea said.

But it didn't stop there. Andrea took to her Facebook friends with Austyn's story and goal, hoping to raise just $200 more. Within an hour, the goal had been exceeded, and within eight days the family raised about $1,400.

Neighbors, friends and teachers reportedly stopped by during that week with cash, amounting to about $200, bringing their total donation to over $1,600.

Andrea said she wanted her daughter to be able to see where her money went, so when the money was collected, they took to Facebook again to find the perfect recipient -- the women and babies' shelter.

When Austyn turned in her donation, her mother said she "just gleamed."

"It makes you proud knowing they're doing good," Andrea said. "We always try to teach our children that we're here to serve, not be served, and we're here to give and not receive. It makes my heart happy."

Kannada said that when donations are made, Family Services does its best to honor the donors wishes, and in this case the money will "go directly to the babies."

"The fact that she's only 6 and she understands that some people in this world don't have what they need is heartwarming," Kannada said. "Most 6-year-olds don't have the capacity to understand when someone else is in need. This one does."